Special Election Is Tuesday

Nearly 100 people had taken advantage of the opportunity to early vote by Wednesday morning, and several others had requested absentee ballots for next Tuesday’s special countywide election, according to Carole Norris, chief registrar.

That number appears to show a good bit of interest in either the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) question or the election of a new Probate Judge.
Probate Judge Kathy Tyler died September 1, necessitating the special election.

Her clerk, Linda Mock, was sworn in almost immediately, and has handled the duties since
Ms. Tyler’s death. She is seeking election to
the office. Challenging her is Justin Owens of Mansfield, a young man who currently serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
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Voters will decide who will serve the remaining three-plus years of Ms. Tyler’s term.
Voters will also decide if they want to continue to pay seven cents sales tax locally. The SPLOST that is currently charged on each $1 spent in Jasper expires December 31. Citizens for the continuation of SPLOST want voters to approve continuing to pay that penny.

The proceeds of a new SPLOST will go primarily to road improvements, but also to economic development, recreation, a digital x-ray machine for the hospital, and a new well for Shady Dale.
There has been much said in this newspaper and elsewhere about the pros and cons of continuing SPLOST at this time. A public meeting Tuesday addressed the benefits of continuing SPLOST. Voters will voice their opinions Tuesday, and that decision is binding.

Early voting continues through Friday, and all polling places in Jasper County will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Nov. 8.